The North London Derby belonged to Eberechi Eze, but he wasn’t the only Arsenal player to cause Tottenham real problems.
Eze absolutely humiliated Tottenham, showing Arsenal’s rivals what they missed out on during the summer transfer window.
Though the England international scored a hat-trick against Spurs, he wasn’t actually the player that the visitors had the most difficulty containing.
That title belongs to Bukayo Saka, who didn’t need to score or assist to prove that he was Arsenal’s most problematic asset against Tottenham.
Bukayo Saka caused Tottenham real problems in the North London Derby
Saka ensured he taunted Tottenham after captaining Arsenal for the first time in the North London Derby, guiding his team to a 4-1 win.
The winger didn’t only expose Spurs off the pitch, but on it too, as the numbers prove that Thomas Frank’s side couldn’t handle his threat on the right side.
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Saka was a force to be reckoned with, as no Arsenal player was fouled more times than the 24-year-old during 90 minutes.
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Spurs attempted to limit Saka by fouling him as many as four times, showing that they understood what leaving him unattended could mean.
Saka is used to being fouled due to his playing style, and in the North London Derby, Spurs fell into his trap.
What was interesting about Saka’s dominant performance was that it came against Frank, who has been trying to stop the winger for years.
Speaking in 2024, Frank spoke about how he tries to limit Saka, explaining that he would instruct his then-Brentford side to ‘double up on him’.
“We try to double up on him; he’s the key player. Close down his left foot, actually let him go on his right if you can’t close everything, that’s the biggest thing.”
Frank is an admirer of Saka and saw what the England international is all about during the North London Derby, as the Arsenal academy graduate led his club to a statement win.
Without a goal or an assist, Saka will leave the Emirates feeling overly satisfied, having toyed with Spurs for 90 minutes.